insert_link South Africa Firefighters Battle Unyielding Blaze in Dwarsberg Mountains, Cape Winelands The Cape Winelands District Municipality reports that firefighters are grappling to control a fire engulfing the slopes of the Dwarsberg Mountains above Rawsonville. The blaze, originating above Brandvlei Prison on Monday afternoon, swiftly spread across the mountain's summit and into the Dwarsberg mountains. Jo-Anne Otto, the municipality’s spokesperson, highlights the formidable challenge faced by teams combating the rapidly spreading fire amid tall and dense vegetation, posing heightened danger to all […] todayJanuary 31, 2024 21
insert_link South Africa Cosatu Applauds Overdue Suspension of Jacob Zuma from ANC Congress of South African Trade Unions commends the ANC's National Executive Committee for finally suspending former president Jacob Zuma. Zuma violated the ANC's constitution by actively campaigning for the uMkhonto weSizwe party and vowing not to support the ANC in the upcoming elections. Cosatu's President, Zingiswa Losi, notes that Zuma's actions are contrary to principles he once deemed counter-revolutionary during his own presidency. todayJanuary 31, 2024 3
insert_link South Africa SA’s President Cyril Ramaphosa says the ANC will campaign for an outright majority in the upcoming elections SA's President Cyril Ramaphosa says the ANC will campaign for an outright majority in the upcoming elections, to ensure stability and sustain progress in the country. The Inclusive Society Institute says while ANC support among eligible voters has plummeted to 33-percent, it is still likely to form a government but is unlikely to win a majority. Delivering the closing address at the ANC National Executive Committee Lekgotla in Ekurhuleni yesterday, […] todayJanuary 31, 2024 7
insert_link South Africa Nelson Mandela’s personal items under the hammer in New York? Why it outraged some, and what’s at stake By Duane Jethro, University of Cape Town An identity document, a pair of reading glasses, a hearing aid and a pair of worn shoes. These are just some of Nelson Mandela’s personal items that were due to go on auction on 22 February 2024. A month before the auction was due, the New York-based Guernsey’s auction house put a notice on its website that it was suspending the […] todayJanuary 31, 2024 4
insert_link South Africa Build One South Africa Advocates for Removal of Police Minister Bheki Cele Amidst July 2021 Unrest Fallout Build One South Africa calls for the removal of Police Minister Bheki Cele, citing police and intelligence failures during the July 2021 unrest. The South African Human Rights Commission’s report reveals communication breakdowns, insufficient resources, and technological limitations, leading to a week-long breakdown of law and order in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. BOSA argues that Cele's removal is crucial to restoring public trust and credibility in the police force. The party […] todayJanuary 31, 2024 6
insert_link South Africa South African political analyst says ANC’s Suspension of Zuma Vital for Party Integrity South African political analyst Bheki Mngomezulu underscores that the ANC had no choice but to suspend its former president, Jacob Zuma. The decision, aimed at preserving the party's integrity, follows Zuma's declaration of not supporting the ANC. Mngomezulu emphasizes the consequential impact of this move, especially with the Umkhonto we Sizwe party gaining traction in provinces like KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. todayJanuary 31, 2024 17
insert_link South Africa Evacuation Underway as Fires Threaten Pringle Bay in Western Cape The Overberg Municipality has initiated a precautionary evacuation of residents from the small coastal town of Pringle Bay in the Western Cape. Raging fires in the area prompted the move, with residents being relocated to the Kleinmond town hall as a safety measure against the approaching flames. Municipal manager Dean O’Neill emphasizes the necessity of this action due to safety concerns. Axel Maier, head police reservist, notes the challenges faced […] todayJanuary 31, 2024 6
insert_link South Africa Shock and Apprehension as Johannesburg Council Chief Whip Wounded in Assassin-Style Shooting The Democratic Alliance in Johannesburg expresses shock and appall at the recent assassin-style shooting incident that occurred during a Rand Water donation event in Zakariyya Park. Johannesburg council chief whip Sithembiso Zungu sustained injuries, while two individuals lost their lives when several suspects entered the hall, opened fire, and swiftly fled the scene. DA's Michael Sun voices concern over the alarming manner in which the shooting transpired, raising serious apprehensions […] todayJanuary 30, 2024 18
insert_link South Africa ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa Deems Zuma’s Suspension Unfortunate but Necessary In response to the suspension of former President Jacob Zuma from the African National Congress, President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledges the regrettable necessity of the National Executive Committee's action. Zuma's suspension, occurring over a month after expressing support for the newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe party, was executed under Rule 25.60 of the ANC's constitution. Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, Ramaphosa emphasizes that the party must draw valuable lessons from this situation. todayJanuary 30, 2024 8
